Gina Bass has successfully defended her title in the women’s 200m race at the Islamic games in Konya, Turkey. Bass finished the dash in 22.63 seconds, an unprecedented feat ever achieved by a Gambian track and field athlete. Gina is now the most decorated Gambian track and field athlete. Wurrie Njadoe, a promising young Gambian athlete finished fourth in the finals.
Continue Reading >>The Office of the President regrets to inform the public that an unfortunate fatal accident involving five State Guard personnel occurred today at Ndemban while escorting reserve vehicles of the convoy to Mankamang Kunda.Four security personnel, Lance Corporal Kebba Sanneh, Corporal Ansumana Danso, Lance Corporal Saikou Touray, and Lance Corporal Ousman Jobe, were pronounced dead at Bwiam General Hospital.First Class Ndedeh Bahoum is currently being managed at Bwiam General Hospital, and his condition is reported Non Critical and Clinically Stable. All clinical assessments and initial investigations are considered normal and will be subsequently referred to Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital- Ndemban Center for further specialist assessment and evaluation. President Barrow profoundly regrets this unfortunate accident and prays Allah Subhana wa ta'allah to grant them the highest of Jannah. The President extends his deepest sorrow to their families and wishes Ndedeh Bahoum a speedy recovery.
Continue Reading >>The Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital has announced the emergence of a rare condition currently under observation in the Paediatric Outpatient. A statement from the hospital said the condition is severe and already causing mortality in children. It says samples were collected from affected children and awaiting results from the lab. They present with diarrhea, vomiting, and reduced urination output. Doctors are said to be working hard to establish the cause of the condition. Meanwhile, the public is urged to be vigilant and report to the nearest health facility if their child has the above symptoms mentioned earlier.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow on Monday took time from his holiday and toured flood-affected areas in Banjul to assess the extent of the damage. This is the second time the president went round meeting victims of the floods in Banjul and other parts of the greater Banjul area. “Despite being on holiday, if my people are in such situations I must be part of it. The safety and security of the people of Banjul and all Gambians is my responsibility. We will work until the problem is solved''. President Barrow said.
Continue Reading >>The 44th ordinary session of the assembly of African central bank governors opened at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara conference centre. The objectives of the Association of African Central Bank Governors are to promote cooperation on monetary, banking, and financial matters in Africa. They conform to the principles of the African Union Free Trade Area established to integrate African economies. The meeting brings together central Bank governors from across Africa for deliberations on the economic and financial situation on the continent with a particular focus on digital innovation and the future of the financial sector, opportunities, and challenges for central bank digital Currencies. The theme for the conference is digital innovations and the future of the financial sector: Opportunities and challenges for central bank digital currencies. The meeting comes at a time of great uncertainty for the global economy, particularly in Africa caused by rising food and energy prices driven by, climate change, outbreaks of Pandemics, and the conflict in Eastern Europe. President Adama Barrow said the meeting marks another important step toward the adoption of a single currency and a common central Bank in Africa. He said digital innovations have the potential to transform the global financial landscape. President Barrow also tasked the central bank governors to come up with practical suggestions that could help countries overcome the current food and energy challenges that threaten socio-political and economic stability. The governor of the central bank of the Gambia Buah Saidy expressed hope that the meeting will chart a new course for Africa. Governor Saidy said the continent can build strong and resilient economies.The IMF country representative Mamadou Juldeh Barry acknowledges the important role of digital currencies in the modern financial system, as more people in both the formal and informal sectors embrace the technologies. He warned against any wholesale unplanned adoption of such systems as they can be riskyThe central Bank governors will continue discussing the agenda items to come up with a harmonized approach to the issues confronting the continent
Continue Reading >>The Gambia government is set to launch an $80 million drainage project in the Greater Banjul Area to prevent floods in the future. This was disclosed by President Barrow while touring flood-affected areas. He also said a $43 million project to stem flooding problems in the country would be launched.
Continue Reading >>The Ministry of Health has lifted the suspension of public health officers. In a letter addressed to the Director of health promotion and education, the ministry called on all concerned public and environment health officers affected by the suspension to return to work from the 1st August 2022. Three hundred and seventy-one public and environment health officers were suspended without salary following a dispute over unpaid allowances. The public and environment health officers went on a prolonged sit-down strike crippling services at several health facilities.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow is touring the flood-affected areas to assess the damages caused by the deluge. He visited flood-prone Ebo town in the Kanifing Municipality and met victims. The President accompanied by government ministers and the mayor of KMC will also visit other areas such as the Jabang Estate, Brikama Jambara Sanneh, Nema, and other affected areas in the KMC.
Continue Reading >>The high court in Banjul has acquitted and discharged Saihou Drammeh, former managing director, and Lamin Gassama, former operations manager of Gam-Petroleum. The two men were on trial for corruption after they were accused of causing over $20 million loss to the economy of The Gambia. Justice Haddy C. Roche acquitted the duo on all the eight charges of economic crime and stealing ‘due to a lack of evidence from the state prosecution to warrant them enter their defense.
Continue Reading >>Communities in the Greater Banjul area and the west coast region experienced devastating floods on Saturday and Sunday. A large number of houses and businesses have been submerged in flood waters following a near 24-hour rainfall, the heaviest the country experienced in many years. Roads and bridges were heavily affected cutting off some communities. Electricity and water supplies were disrupted. The National Water and Electricity Company, Nawec says it experienced major disruptions as its facilities were affected by the floods. Vice President Badara Joof accompanied by several ministers toured some of the worst affected areas. The Vice President told journalists that the state would come up with measures to help victims affected by the deluge. President Adama Barrow is said to be aware of the disaster and would chair a cabinet meeting and a meeting with donor agencies on Monday to discuss and strategise a response to the disaster.
Continue Reading >>The Vice President, Badara A. Joof, on Friday, presented President Adama Barrow with the ‘Key’ bestowed on him by the Integral University of Lucknow, in Uttarpradesh State, India, for restoring and maintaining democracy in The Gambia. The University also awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Human Letters – Honoris Causa to the President. President Barrow thanked the Integral University for recognising his efforts in strengthening democracy in The Gambia and respect for the rule of Law. He said the award encourages him to redouble his efforts in these and other facets of Governance.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow arrived in Monrovia Tuesday morning to attend Celebrations marking Liberia’s 175th independence anniversary. He was received by the vice president of The republic of Liberia Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor, the Gambia’s high commissioner to Sierra Leone who is also accredited to the Liberia Alieu k Jammeh and other Liberian Government officials. President Barrow had a brief discussion with the vice president of The republic of Liberia at the airport presidential Lounge. He is among three other west African leaders that attended the formal ceremony in central Monrovia as special guests of Liberian President George Manneh Weah. They include President Muhammadu Buhari of the federal republic of Nigeria and Umaru Cissokho Emballo of The republic of Guinea Bissau.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow on Saturday inaugurated the Demba Kunda–Numuyel–Manneh Kunda–Basse road at a grand ceremony in Demba Kunda attended by thousands of people from Jimara and Basse.The 14-kilometre road provides a vital corridor for beneficiary communities, enhancing access to markets, health facilities, schools and other social services. The project underscores President Barrow's commitment to road infrastructure as a foundation for sustainable socio-economic development.After nearly two years of construction, the road linking Basse to Manneh Kunda, Demba Kunda and Numuyel was officially opened. The President, flanked by the Minister of Works, officials of the National Roads Authority (NRA) and community leaders, cut the ribbon to mark the inauguration.The road is fully funded by the Government under the Rural Roads Infrastructure Project, which seeks to decentralise development to communities across the country.Wild CelebrationsAfter the ribbon-cutting, President Barrow drove through the new road to Demba Kunda. Crowds lined both sides of the road, cheering and thanking the President for fulfilling one of the most pressing needs of Jimara and Basse.As he approached Demba Kunda, thousands of people welcomed him with great fanfare and excitement, escorting him to the meeting grounds where elders lined up to greet him.The Alkalo of Demba Kunda, 94-year-old Alhaji Degumeh Ceesay Camara, went down memory lane, recalling when travelling from Demba Kunda to Numuyel and Basse was a nightmare."In the past, it took a whole day to travel from Demba Kunda to Basse, but now it takes minutes," the Alkalo said with pride, as he expressed profound gratitude to President Barrow for his commitment to the welfare of the people.He challenged the people of Demba Kunda, Numuyel, Manneh Kunda and Basse to vote for President Barrow, describing it as a duty and responsibility to enable him to continue his development agenda.Similar calls were made by the representative of the Chief of Jimara, Alhaji Julaba Ceesay, youth representative Swaibou Jagana, and women's representative Fatumata Kanteh. The speakers said all 87 villages in the area are united in their desire to keep President Barrow in power, describing the upcoming December 5 election as a foregone conclusion.They hailed the road as a major milestone that will open up Demba Kunda and Numuyel to the rest of the country.Veteran politician and NPP Regional Chairman, Alhaji Bubu Drammeh, praised President Barrow for the landmark development, noting the dramatic reduction in travel time."It used to take 25 minutes to travel just 3 kilometres to Basse. Now it takes only 3 minutes to reach the regional capital," Bubu said to loud applause. He predicted a landslide victory for President Barrow, saying his development track record is unmatched in Gambian history.The National Assembly Member for Jimara, Hon. Essa Conteh, and the Governor of URR, Samba Bah, also commended the President for transforming the Upper River Region through roads, schools, health facilities and electricity, and both predicted a landslide victory in December.Built to Last 20 YearsThe Managing Director of the National Roads Authority, Sulayman Sumareh, said the 14km road is built to the highest quality standards and can last 20 years. Given its strategic location, he said the road is fitted with proper drainage to address perennial flooding in Numuyel and Demba Kunda, and will also be fitted with solar streetlights. He advised motorists to use the road with care.In his inaugural address, President Barrow said the road is more than a physical link."It brings better access, greater economic opportunity, easier movement, and a stronger connection between rural communities and the national road network," the President said.He noted that the people of Demba Kunda and Numuyel have long grappled with a poor road network that hampered development, but expressed confidence that the new road will enable them to realise their full potential.President Barrow reaffirmed infrastructure as a key priority of his government, with emphasis on decentralisation to reach every community. He, however, admonished road users and motorists to use the road responsibly and respect safety regulations.He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and promised to expand the road network in Jimara and the wider URR, disclosing that 380km of roads are earmarked for construction if given another mandate.He appealed to the people of Jimara to vote for him and called on all Gambians to exercise their franchise in December, saying the stakes are very high and the outcome will determine the future of the country.The President later proceeded to lay the foundation stone for the construction of the Demba Kunda football field.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow's political rally in Allunhari was cut short on Monday following the death of the Chief of Fulladu East, Saibeh Hammeh Minteh Krubally.Chief Krubally reportedly passed away an hour before the rally was due to start.The community of Allunhari had organised a massive rally to endorse President Barrow and the NPP-led Grand Alliance ahead of the December 5 presidential election. Thousands of supporters, including elders, women and youth, turned out in a show of force following days of intense mobilisation.As the President's motorcade approached Allunhari, it was met by thousands of enthusiastic supporters who lined and blocked the road, singing and chanting slogans in support of the President.Among the prominent indigenes present were the Honorary Consul General in Gabon, Saikou Dukureh, his wife Haja Dukureh, and Muhammadu Conteh, a prominent businessman and philanthropist based in Lomé, Togo.However, moments after the President entered the rally grounds, news of the chief's death spread.Bajoko Drammeh, spokesperson for the Alkalo of Allunhari, announced the death in an emotional tone, expressing profound grief over the loss.The announcement dampened the mood of the gathering. The late Chief Krubally was a highly respected figure in Allunhari and across the wider Upper River and Central River Regions, and his passing overshadowed the event.Following consultations between community elders and the President, it was agreed that the rally be called off as a mark of respect.The Imam of Allunhari, Alhaji Ebrima Kaba, paid tribute to the late chief and offered prayers for the deceased.Speaking on behalf of the President, the National President of the NPP, Musa Drammeh, said President Barrow was deeply saddened by the news and could not deliver a speech. On behalf of the President, his government and the Gambian people, Minister Drammeh extended condolences to the bereaved family and announced the abrupt end of the rally. President Barrow left Allunhari in a sombre mood, seen off by elders and thousands of supporters.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow on Monday presented a fleet of 40 vehicles to the Ministry of Interior for onward distribution to security services.The vehicles were donated by the Government of Italy under an existing bilateral cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Interior aimed at strengthening The Gambia's security services.The presentation ceremony was held at State House and attended by security service chiefs and senior government officials.President Barrow handed over the vehicles to the Minister of Interior, Hon. Abdoulie Sanyang.Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, the Director General of The Gambia Immigration Department, Ebrima Mboob, described the partnership between The Gambia's security apparatus and their Italian counterparts as fruitful.He said the donation is timely and will strengthen the work of the security forces, improve mobility and expand their operational reach.Mr Mboob thanked the Minister of Interior for his support to the Immigration Department and the Police, and expressed gratitude to the Government of Italy for its continued assistance to the police and immigration in capacity building, border management and document security.The bilateral cooperation between The Gambia and Italy in the security sector has been ongoing for more than a decade.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow has officially inaugurated the Kabada roads project, a 102km road network connecting over 29 communities to the Trans-Gambia Highway and the Soma transit hub.The D1.9 billion project, entirely funded by the government, was awarded to Chinese firm Longjing Road and Bridge Company, which completed the works 13 months ahead of schedule. It is the first major road project in this remote part of the country in over 52 years.President Barrow, surrounded by officials and community leaders, performed the symbolic ribbon-cutting at a historic ceremony in Sibito, the main settlement of Kabada, marking the official opening of what has been described as a first-class road network linking more than 25 communities to the main commercial corridor of Jarra Soma.The completion of the project triggered wild celebrations in Kabada, with residents trooping to Sibito for the inauguration.Decades of Isolation EndThe Alkalo of Sibito, Fabubu Baj, was overwhelmed with emotion as he welcomed the President. He recalled decades of struggle and isolation, where poor road conditions meant little vehicular traffic and residents relied on horse and donkey carts to navigate dusty tracks.That situation, he said, persisted for decades until President Barrow fulfilled his promise to construct all roads within Kabada. He expressed immense gratitude to the President and pledged that Kabada would repay him at the ballot box in the December 5 presidential election. "Their ballot boxes will come to Kabada empty but will leave empty," he said, referring to the opposition.That sentiment was echoed by all speakers, including youth representative Ousman Jawo, women's representative Mariama Bah, Chief Lang Sanyang of Kiang Central, National Assembly Member Hon. Yunusa Bah, and Hulaymatou Jallow. They said the road network will open new economic opportunities, create trade corridors, and improve access to markets and social services, while also commending the President for providing electricity, water and ambulances to Kabada.Hon. Musa Njadoe, former National Assembly Member and now head of the Kabada Development Association in the United States, shed tears of joy, describing the project as life-changing. He accused the Jawara and Jammeh administrations of neglecting Kabada despite repeatedly winning elections there, and praised President Barrow for delivering roads within eight years.Quality and StandardThe Managing Director of the National Roads Authority, Sulayman Sumareh, described the Kabada roads as among the best quality in the country, built to international standards to last. He urged communities to take ownership and strictly observe road safety regulations.In his statement, President Barrow underscored the importance of road infrastructure to national development, stressing that his government prioritises infrastructure as a vehicle for sustainable socio-economic growth.He disclosed that the 102km Kabada road is solely government-funded at D1.9 billion and connects 29 communities."The government felt the need to build the Kabada roads as part of its inclusive approach to development," President Barrow said, noting that roads create opportunities, open corridors for farmers, and enhance access to social services.He commended Longjing Road and Bridge Company for completing the project in 36 months instead of the contracted 48 months, describing the delivery as unprecedented. He advised motorists and road users to observe speed limits and traffic rules.President Barrow assured the people of Kabada that his government would continue to deliver development to decentralise growth and connect the entire country, promising to extend the project to the other side of Kabada."This long arm of development will reach every part of the country," he said, while urging Kabada to vote for continuity and progress.The state-of-the-art Kabada road is fitted with solar streetlights and other modern road furniture. Alongside electricity and water now available across the region, the once isolated and underdeveloped area has, in just three years, seen its fortunes transformed.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow has warned the National Assembly Member for Banjul North of serious consequences if he leads protests to the State House again.The President issued the warning during the final meeting of his Meet the People Tour held at the Never Again Memorial Arch in Banjul, where thousands of supporters turned out.The event also saw the presentation of a D1 million cheque to eight women's groups in Banjul under the government's Women's Enterprise Development Fund.As with other legs of the tour, development and welfare issues dominated the discussions.Several prominent Banjulians, including Mass Axi Gaye, Pa Modou Mbye, youth representative and Lady Councillor Fatou Ngum, commended President Barrow for transforming the capital. They cited the Banjul Roads and Drainage Project as a lasting legacy that has rejuvenated the city after years of neglect, and pledged massive votes for the President in the December presidential election.Essa Faal of APP Sobeyaa said Banjul has changed thanks to massive investment in infrastructure. "Banjul has better and cleaner roads now, with its mosquito-infested gutters all covered," he said. He cited the new fish smoking market and the construction of the KG5 mini-stadium as further evidence of transformation.The former TRRC Lead Counsel defended his alliance with President Barrow, saying it came after careful reflection. He described Barrow as the only candidate with a proven development track record and noted his implementation of some TRRC recommendations. He predicted a landslide victory for the President in December.NPP Regional Chairman Alhaji Ousman Wadda and Deputy Mayor Aziz Dabakh Gaye also praised the President for the infrastructural transformation of Banjul, which they said will define his legacy. Mr Wadda disclosed that thousands of Banjulians have registered for the upcoming election and pledged victory for the President.The Deputy Mayor recalled past difficulties when residents had to be mobilised to clean open gutters, commending the President for taking up the challenge after decades of neglect.The meeting witnessed the presentation of D1 million to eight women's groups to support their economic activities under the Women's Enterprise Development Fund.The NAM for Banjul Central, Hon. Mam Abdoulie Njai, said President Barrow deserves another term given his development record over the past ten years. He appealed to the President to sponsor a football tournament to celebrate the completion of the KG5 mini-stadium, which he suggested should be renamed the Biri Biri Mini-Stadium in honour of the football icon.Regional Coordinator for Banjul, Ebrima Jawo, echoed similar sentiments and warned against the opposition. He also thanked the government for renovation works at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), which he said have significantly improved services.Minister of Lands and Regional Government, Hon. Hamat N.K. Bah, praised President Barrow's inclusive leadership and commitment to people's welfare. He thanked partners and stakeholders for a successful tour and made a final appeal for Gambians to vote for President Barrow. He also defended the government's handling of the economy, arguing that prices of basic commodities are lower in The Gambia compared to neighbouring countries.President Warns Against ProtestsIn his closing remarks, President Barrow advised the media to be independent, responsible and neutral, noting their role in portraying a positive image of the country.Addressing the recent electricity protests in the capital, the President accused the NAM for Banjul North of mobilising teenagers for a candlelight vigil at the State House. He described such acts as treasonous and warned against actions that risk destabilising the country.He warned the lawmaker of serious consequences if repeated, and called on people to respect the law and the sanctity of State House as the seat of government. He urged the people of Banjul North to replace the NAM in the next election, accusing him of failing his constituents.President Barrow thanked the people of Banjul for the massive turnout and appealed for a massive voter turnout in December.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow has promised to replicate the Banjul Roads and Drainage Project in Serekunda to modernise one of The Gambia's largest urban centres.The President pledged at a meeting in Serekunda as his Meet the People Tour entered the Kanifing Municipality (KM). He also warned young people against allowing themselves to be used by politicians for selfish political ends.President Barrow and his entourage were warmly received as his motorcade approached Serekunda School football field, where thousands of supporters had gathered for the meeting.The gathering was dominated by calls for continued support for President Barrow and the NPP-led Alliance.The Alkalo of Bundung, Saikou Konateh, thanked the President for solving the persistent water problems in Bundung, noting that water is now available. He pledged to mobilise his constituents to vote for President Barrow as a show of gratitude.Veteran politician and native of Serekunda, Hon. Kebba Jallow, urged the people of KM to abandon the opposition and embrace the ruling alliance, which he said has the welfare of the people at heart.Lady Councillor Anna Mbye, youth representative Mbayam Ceesay, and NPP Regional Chairman Mustafa Touray highlighted developments in KM under President Barrow, including the construction of roads, expansion of education and improved water supply.They, however, decried the poor state of services under the current municipal leadership, particularly the lack of water and toilet facilities at the Sandika and Serekunda markets, and urged voters to change the leadership at the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC).Former NAM for Latrikunda Sabiji, Hon. Saikou Marong, said KM has immensely benefited from President Barrow's projects, citing roads built across the municipality as evidence.Minister of Lands and Regional Government, Hon. Hamat N.K. Bah, defended President Barrow's nine-year record as "development politics that delivers results."He argued that politics should not be about empty rhetoric but tangible results that improve lives. He disclosed that the government has launched a $45 million WACA project to develop the Kotu stream that runs through KM. According to him, the project will build bridges, promote economic activity, eliminate flooding and improve livelihoods. He appealed to the people of KM to vote for President Barrow in December to continue his development agenda."Serekunda Deserves Better"In his address, President Barrow praised the impressive turnout, saying it provided a unique opportunity to dialogue on national issues. He noted that Serekunda holds a special place as one of the country's biggest settlements.He challenged the people of KM to "rectify their political mistakes" by electing authorities willing to work with the central government to deliver development. While acknowledging massive developments in the last decade, he lamented the lack of cooperation from municipal authorities, accusing them of neglecting their responsibilities while living in luxury."This situation must change. KM deserves better," the President said, citing poor waste collection and the absence of water and toilet facilities in markets.President Barrow warned youth against being used as pawns by politicians, noting that during recent protests, many participants were children allegedly paid to vandalise public property. He urged them to desist from acts that undermine peace.Development Plan for SerekundaOutlining his programme, President Barrow disclosed plans to:Replicate the Banjul Roads and Drainage Project in Serekunda.Ensure 24-hour water and electricity supply.Sign a contract with an international company to collect and recycle waste from KM into renewable energy.Decommission the Bakoteh dumpsite and reclaim the land to build a garage and market for the people of KM.He challenged the people of Serekunda to take their destiny into their own hands and vote for progress, stating that the NPP-led Alliance stands for development, peace and stability.The tour continues in Kanifing Municipality with a meeting in Manjai Kunda.
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